Grateful For You

It's been a while since I've been able to create and post on a regular basis.  I haven't felt well for quite some time and had no idea why.  Well, I found out why last Monday when I was admitted to the ICU overnight.  It was a new experience for me.  Fortunately, it was not life threatening and it can be controlled with medication.  I am feeling fantastic with more energy than I've had in a long while.  Those at the hospital took such good care of me so I'm making cards to take with me when I go in Wednesday for my follow up.

The challenge over at The Friday Mashup was right on target for what I needed.  The sketch was great and the thankful theme mashed up well for a perfect card.  As you can see, I flipped it and used one of the Lots of Labels Framelits Dies.

Stamp Set:  For All Things; Ink:  Soft Suede; Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Timeless Elegance Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Lots of Labels Framelits Dies, Champagne Rhinestones (Want2Scrap), Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch and theme I used are from The Friday Mashup!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #52

This week it's another "Anything Goes" challenge here at Christmas Card Challenges.  It's getting down to the wire.  Have you made all of your Christmas cards?  Thankfully, mine are now all done and ready to be signed, sealed and delivered.  It's a relief to know, that by the time they need to be put in the mail, they are all made and just need addressed.  For me, it's one of my favorite things about being on the Christmas Card Challenges Design Team.  If you play along each week, you have them all done, too!  :-)

Stamp Set:  Reason for the Season; Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Cardstock:  A Christmas Carol Patterned Paper (Graphic 45), Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Mossy Meadow, Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Ovals Collection Framelits Dies, Dazzling Details, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #44

It's "Anything Goes" week at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges!  Yay!  I love "anything goes."  I'm so used to being able to do whatever I want in the other "anything goes" challenges that I enter, that I forgot that Buffy's challenge actually has a wedding element to it.  Oops!  I guess you could use this for an anniversary card if you wanted.  I was thinking of my son when I made this since he is giving me an early Christmas gift this year.  He's paying to have the brakes fixed in my car and I am truly grateful for his help.  I am blessed with wonderful sons!

But, back to the challenge.  Buffy's inspiration photo is absolutely beautiful, don't you think?  So, come join us this week and show us how you were inspired.

Stamp Sets:  For All Things, Wondrous Wreath; Inks:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango; Cardstock:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits Dies, Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies, Regals Candy Dots, Vanilla Thick Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Glue Dots, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #51

"Anything Goes" is the challenge this week at Christmas Card Challenges.  So, pull out your favorites and show us what you've got!

The other day when I ordered my 2016 Mini Calendars from Taylored Expressions, I found this very nice Peace Die in the bag.  It was a thank you from Taylored Expressions.  I was so excited.  Here is how I used it.  The sentiment below the die cut comes from the Reason for the Season stamp set.

Stamp Sets:  Bold Snowflake (retired), Reason for the Season; Inks:  Lost Lagoon, Night of Navy; Cardstock:  A Christmas Carol Patterned Paper (Graphic 45), Lost Lagoon, Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Peace Die (Taylored Expressions), Blossom Punch (retired), Iced Rhinestone, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details and to link up your project, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Wacky Watercooler's November Christmas Celebration

It's time for another fabulous Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop.  This month we are focusing on Christmas.  It's just a wee bit over a month away and, if you are like me, you have plenty of gifts and cards to design and make for family and friends.  I have no doubt that you will find plenty of inspiration from those of us sharing our Christmas projects with you.  So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage of choice, sit back and see what's in store.  Enjoy!

Tonight I'll be joining a group of local Stampin' Up! Demonstrators for our annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange.  This year I decided to make a matching desk ensemble.  This mini note pad, in it's festive holder, will fit nicely on anyone's desk.

Stamp Set:  Back to Basics Alphabet; Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Cardstock:  Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Mint Macaron, Real Red; Accessories & Tools:  Triple Banner Punch, Iced Rhinestones, Gold Baker's Twine, 3-1/2" x 5" Mini Writing Tablet (Tree House Pad & Paper, Inc.), SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

My second project is the other half of the desk ensemble.  As you can see, it's a calendar and sticky note holder.  The easel card is so much fun to make and it is so easy.  I'm planning to make this set for the three people who work in the office here where I live.  I always give them a little something I've made every Christmas.

Stamp Set:  Back to Basics Alphabet; Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Cardstock:  Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Mint Macaron, Real Red; Accessories & Tools:  Triple Banner Punch, Iced Rhinestones, Gold Baker's Twine, 2-1/4" x 3" Mini Calendars (Taylored Expressions), 3" x 3" Stick On Notes (Greenbriar International, Inc.), SNAIL Adhesive, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

My final project, also 3-D, is a little tealight that sits on the Wondrous Wreath.  I'm sure I saw this somewhere and it stuck in my mind to try it.  Although, I don't recall who specifically came up with this, I do thank them.  I saw several in my snooping on the Internet.  I think I just might add a name to it and use them as place cards on my Christmas table.

Stamp Set:  Wondrous Wreath; Inks:  Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz, Real Red; Cardstock:  Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Gold Cording Trim, Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Glue Dots, Tear & Tape, Tealight

Next up is Christine Giuda.  To see her wonderful projects, click the image below.

To go back and check out the great projects by Priscilla Ivler, click the image below

To head home to the Wacky Watercooler Stamping blog, click the image below.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Snow Trees

Have I mentioned that I have a thing for single layer cards?  All of a sudden I'm completely enthralled with them.  I've been card making for over five years now and have just discovered single layer cards!  Now I ask you, what took me so long?

This card is stamping only and the only embellishment is the Wink of Stella Brush Clear Shimmer that I put on the snow patches on the trees and on the bottom part of the card under the trees.  I know, it doesn't show up well but it is there.

With snow in the Iowa forecast, I kind of had it on my mind.  I'm not sure how much we'll get where I live but I do know that north of here it could be up to five or six inches.  My number two son and his family will be right in the thick of it.

Be sure to stop back at 8 p.m. CST and take a tour through the Wacky Watercooler November Christmas Celebration Blog Hop.  There's a whole lot of Christmas inspiration going on!

Stamp Sets:  Happy Scenes (trees & sentiment), Perpetual Birthday Calendar (snowflakes), Wondrous Wreath (sentiment); Inks:  Basic Black Archival, Smoky Slate; Cardstock:  Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Wink of Stella Brush Clear Shimmer

Inspiration for this CAS Christmas winter wonderland card came from The Paper Players.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #43

Color time and the butterflies are beautiful!  Oh, wait, that's a song and those are the wrong words!  Anyway, Kath's color challenge definitely had me thinking of sunshine and butterflies.  With it being the beginning of a new birthday month, I have plenty of cards to make for the occasion.  I hadn't used my Kinda Eclectic stamp set in a while and it was a perfect background for those butterflies.

Join us this week and share how Kath's color inspired you.

Stamp Sets:  Butterfly Basics, Kinda Eclectic, Papillon Potpourri; Inks:  Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry, Mossy Meadow, Tangelo Twist; Cardstock:  Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Elegant Butterfly Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Cherry Cobbler Flower

Time is flying by these days what with getting ready for Thanksgiving and working on Christmas gifts for family and friends.  It is stacking up to be a very busy week for me.  Let me just share a bit of my schedule with you.

Today is our annual Thanksgiving dinner where I live.  It's always a fun time.  Tomorrow is challenge day for Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.  Be sure to join in and share your project.  Then, there's Thursday.  I have a 3 p.m. council meeting as I'm the treasurer for our Residents Association.  At 6 p.m. it will be time to join in the fun with fellow demonstrators at our annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange at Okoboji Grill.  To top it all off, the Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop starts at 8 p.m. CST.  Do stop by and take a tour.  And, sometime this week, I need to schedule in a road trip to do some scrapbooking with a friend.  Oh, and don't forget all the other challenges that I love and participant in regularly.

You know, I'm thinking I won't be slowing down until next year!

Stamp sets:  Best Thoughts, Gorgeous Grunge, Happy Scenes; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Mint Macaron; Cardstock:  Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Little Leaves Sizzlits Die, Flower, Wink of Stella Brush Clear, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer.

The sketch I used is from CAS(E) this Sketch.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #50

Ho!  Ho!  Ho!  It's a Photo Challenge here at Christmas Card Challenges.  I just love that holly, jolly fellow, don't you?  One of my favorite paper collection, this year, is the Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper.  It has a sheet full of Santas, so I fussy cut one out and this is where it led me. You know, no matter how hard I tried my border of red rhinestones would not line up exactly straight.  Can we just say it has character, please?  :-)

I look forward to seeing all the wonderful projects you create.  Show us how you were inspired by our photo.

Stamp Set:  Holiday (Unknown); Ink:  Basic Black Archival; Cardstock:  Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Ovals Collection Framelits Dies, Red Rhinestones (Want2Scrap), SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Dimensionals.  All Stampin Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details and to link up your project, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Veteran's Day Salute!

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #42

This week at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges, Bev has given us this great inspiration photo to get our creative thoughts flowing.  I stayed with rectangles and squares and brought in the flowing, curvy lines to keep things from getting too rigid.  :-)  I also found just a hint of pink in the photo and just had to incorporate it into my card.

Join us this week and show us how you were inspired by Bev's inspiration photo. 

Stamp Set:  None used; Inks:  None used; Cardstock:  Basic Gray, Mint Macaron, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Hello You Thinlits Dies, Blushing Bride Sequin Trim, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Happy 240th Birthday to the U.S. Marines Corps

Semper Fidelis

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #49

It's "Anything Goes" this week at Christmas Card Challenges.  For today's card, I decided to do a single layer card.  I stamped my sentiment from the Flurry of Wishes stamp set in Lost Lagoon.  Then, surrounded it with a flurry of snowflakes that are also Lost Lagoon but most of them were stamped off so the color would be softer.  The snowflakes are from the Perpetual Birthday Calendar stamp set.  I love all the images in it and you don't have to use it just for a calendar.  I really love the simplicity of the card and if you have limited time to stamp, it's a quick and easy one to make.

Stamp Sets:  Flurry of Wishes (sentiment), Perpetual Birthday Calendar; Ink:  Lost Lagoon; Cardstock:  Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Rhinestones (from my stash), Stampin' Trimmer

For all the challenge details, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Let It Snow!

While it isn't snowing here in Iowa, I know there are places that have had their first snows already.  Our weather has turned colder so I know it won't be long and we'll be seeing the white stuff flying through the air.  In the meantime, here is a happy little snowman who simply loves the snow!

Now that I've spent the day making all kinds of cards and goodies in my craft studio, I'm headed to the kitchen to get some soup simmering.  With the cooler temperatures, soup will be just the thing to warm me up while I enjoy a movie.

Stamp Sets:  Happy Scenes, White Christmas; Inks:  Basic Black Archival, Garden Green, Real Red, Smoky Slate, Tangerine Tango; Cardstock:  Crumb Cake; Accessories & Tools:  Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Stamping Smiles Designs has sent out a Design Team Call so, I'm entering my happy little snowman in their Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge.  I used the center line down.  It's a one layer card made from Kraft cardstock (Crumb Cake in my little corner of the world) using the Softly Falling Embossing Folder.  Wish me well!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Pretty Pink Pirouette Blossom

Well, I can't get enough of those Wink of Stella Brush but they sure don't photograph very well.  My question is, for those of you who are much more proficient in photography than I, how can I take a photo that will showcase the shimmer that these great brushes give you?  I've tried everything I know how to get the shimmer to show up.  Maybe it's just bashful?  :-)

Anyway,  I had so much fun creating this card for the current Freshly Made Sketches Challenge and the Fusion Card Challenge.  It's a combination of new product (Garden Greens Die and Wink of Stella Shimmer Brush), retired product (Fancy Flower Punch) and colors that I don't often use such as the Pink Pirouette.  I'm just not a pink person but I do have to remember that there are those who love pink.  This flower is for all of you pink lovers.

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Inks:  Elegant Eggplant, Rose Red Stampin' Write Marker; Cardstock:  Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant, Pink Pirouette, Perfect Plum, Sahara Sand, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Circle Collection Framelits Dies, Garden Greens Die (Tim Holtz), Fancy Flower Punch (retired), Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Festive Flower Builder Punch, Wink of Stella Clear Shimmer Brush, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Fringe Scissors, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® unless otherwise noted.

The sketch I used is from Freshly Made Sketches.

I also entered the Fusion Card Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Leaves & Flower

Loved the "neutral" monochromatic color scheme from the Colour Me...! Card Challenge this week.  It gave me a chance to play with the Tim Holtz Garden Greens die and the Wink of Stella Brush I purchased yesterday.  The brush adds a touch of shimmer to your color.  The one I used is the Clear Shimmer brush.  While it is hard to see in the photo, I did use the brush on both the flower punch outs.  No matter how hard I tried to get a good photo of the shimmer, it just would not cooperate.  Sigh... some days are just like that.

Now it's time for me to get on out of here.  I have a party to go to.  But, I'll tell you all about it in tomorrow.  Well, actually, I'll more than likely show you what it was all about.  :-)  

Stamp Sets:  Garden Shed - sentiment (Taylored Expressions), Petal Potpourri (retired); Inks:  Sahara Sand, Soft Suede; Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Garden Greens Die (Tim Holtz), Flower Medallion Punch, Large Oval Punch, Wink of Stella Clear Shimmer Brush, Pearl Basic Jewels, Candy Dots Brad Bases, Gold Cord Trim, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up! product unless otherwise noted.

The monochromatic color scheme I used is from the Colour Me...! Card Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #41

It's time for a sketch at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges and Jackie has given us a great one.  It took me forever to decide what I wanted to to as there were so many possibilities.  I decided to just keep it simple.  And, yes, there is Silver Metallic Thread behind that Watermelon Wonder flower but it's really hard to see.  It is such fine stuff.

Please join us this week and show us how you interpreted Jackie's sketch.

Stamp Set:  Lotus Blossom (retired Sale-A-Bration); Ink:  Tip Top Taupe; Cardstock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White, Whisper White Think; Accessories & Tools:  Fun Flower Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Silver Metallic Thread, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #48

It's inspiration photo time at this week's Christmas Card Challenges.  I loved the colors and the grungy look in the photo so tried to translate that onto my card.  A little watercoloring, a little stamping and a wee bit of punching and this is the final product.

Come join us this week and show us your creation.  We'd love to see how the photo inspired you.   

Stamp Sets:  Flurry of Wishes, Gorgeous Grunge, Reason for the Season (sentiment); Inks:  Bermuda Bay, Sahara Sand, Tip Top Taupe; Cardstock:  Watercolor Paper, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Lots of Labels Framelits Dies, Snow Flurry Punch, Flower Medallion Punch, Silver Cord Trim, Candy Dots Brad Bases, Iced Rhinestones, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin' Trimmer.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha